Sissoko’s faith in Tanguy

MOUSSA SISSOKO knows better than anyone how difficult life at Tottenham is for Tanguy Ndombele.

Midfielder Ndombele has endured a torrid start to life at Spurs following his £65million move from Lyon last summer. Injuries and a change in manager have left the 23-year-old stuck on the sidelines.

Ndombele has started only six games under Spurs manager Jose Mourinho and was reduced to a cameo off the bench in the defeat to Sheffield United that all but ended any hope of a top-four finish heading into their game against Everton on Monday.

Mourinho has admitted he is yet to work out

Ndombele’s ‘psychological profile’ amid criticism of his fitness and discipline.

But Sissoko (below) has seen it all before. When he joined from Newcastle in 2016, he couldn’t nail down a regular starting place. ‘I’m like his big brother,’ said Sissoko. ‘I’m a good example because nothing was easy for me at the beginning.

‘Tanguy’s first season has not been easy but I’ve told him to stay calm, be patient and keep working.’

Mourinho has backed

Ndombele to come good and there have been reports that Spurs have rejected an offer of a swap deal from Juventus for Ndombele in exchange for former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey. Sissoko, meanwhile, has endured his own difficult time. Not only was he sidelined since January after knee surgery but he was also left needing to apologise for breaking lockdown rules to train with team-mate Serge Aurier. The pair have since also made a donation to the NHS.